The Trials of Muhammad Ali

Directed by Bill Siegel

Synopsis

No conventional sports documentary, THE TRIALS OF MUHAMMAD ALI investigates its
extraordinary and often complex subject's life outside the boxing ring. From joining the controversial Nation of Islam and changing his name from Cassius Clay to Muhammad Ali, to his refusal to serve in the Vietnam War in the name of protesting racial inequality, to his global humanitarian work,
Muhammad Ali remains an inspiring and controversial figure. Outspoken and passionate in his beliefs, Ali found himself in the center of America's controversies over race, religion, and war. From Kartemquin Films - makers of such acclaimed documentaries as HOOP DREAMS and THE INTERRUPTERS - and Academy Award-nominated director Bill Siegel (THE WEATHER UNDERGROUND), THE TRIALS OF MUHAMMAD ALI examines how one of the most celebrated sports champions of the 20th century risked his fame and fortune to follow his faith and conscience.

Film Info

No conventional sports documentary, The Trials Of Muhammad Ali investigates its
extraordinary and often complex subject's life outside the boxing ring. From joining the controversial Nation of Islam and changing his name from Cassius Clay to Muhammad Ali, to his refusal to serve in the Vietnam War in the name of protesting racial inequality, to his global humanitarian work,
Muhammad Ali remains an inspiring and controversial figure. Outspoken and passionate in his beliefs, Ali found himself in the center of America's controversies over race, religion, and war. From Kartemquin Films - makers of such acclaimed documentaries as Hoop Dreams and The Interrupters - and Academy Award-nominated director Bill Siegel (The Weather Underground), The Trials Of Muhammad Ali examines how one of the most celebrated sports champions of the 20th century risked his fame and fortune to follow his faith and conscience.

Cast

Muhammad Ali (himself)

Crew

Directed by
Bill Siegel

Produced by
Rachel Pikelny

Festivals / Awards

NOMINATED FOR THREE EMMY AWARDS - Best Documentary, Outstanding Historical Programming-Long-Form, and Best Editing (Aaron Wickenden).

Reviews

"The best Muhammad Ali doc I've ever seen and - dare I say - I've seen 'em all." - Dave Zirin, The Nation.

"An invigorating doc brings the long-forgotten controversy to life... captures the thrill of Ali's personality even for viewers with little interest in the sweet science." - John DeFore, The Hollywood Reporter

"In its portrayal of a hyper-confident motormouth, "The Trials of Muhammad Ali" leaves a clear impression. The fighter shook up America--and its assumptions about race--by being the opposite of Jackie [Robinson]: always talking, always reacting, always provoking." - Steven Zeitchik, Los Angeles Times

"If you weren't there at the time, it's hard to believe American celebrities ever burned this bright." - Time Out New York

Muhammad Ali walks through the streets of New York City with members of the Black Panther Party in September 1970.
Download Hi ResCredit: David Fenton/Archive Photos/Getty Images

Ali prays at the Hussein Mosque in Cairo in June 1964, four months after changing his name from Cassius Clay and announcing he is a member of the Nation of Islam.
Download Hi ResCredit: Express/Archive Photos/Getty Images